How to make my tooth stop aching
To calm an aching tooth, use an appropriate over-the-counter pain reliever as directed, keep the area clean, and arrange prompt dental treatment.
The short answer
To calm an aching tooth, use an appropriate over-the-counter pain reliever as directed, keep the area clean, and arrange prompt dental treatment because pain relief does not remove the cause.
What is the direct answer?
What does this question mean?
Toothache can arise from inflamed pulp, decay, a cracked tooth, a loose filling, gum infection, or pressure around an erupting tooth. The pain may be brief with cold or constant and throbbing when the pulp or tissues around the root are inflamed.
What can you do next?
Rinse gently with lukewarm water, remove trapped food with floss, and use a cold pack outside the cheek if swelling is present. A dentist may examine the tooth, test its response, take an X-ray, and repair it, perform root canal treatment, drain infection, or remove it when necessary.
When should you seek dental care?
Get urgent care for facial swelling, fever, pus, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or trouble opening the mouth. Do not place aspirin or undiluted chemicals on the gum.
What should you ask the dentist?
Can a toothache disappear on its own? Pain can temporarily fade while disease remains, so a disappearing ache does not prove the tooth has healed.
Frequently asked questions
Can a toothache disappear on its own?
Pain can temporarily fade while disease remains, so a disappearing ache does not prove the tooth has healed.
What if symptoms continue?
Get urgent care for facial swelling, fever, pus, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or trouble opening the mouth. Do not place aspirin or undiluted chemicals on the gum.